The Best Of Youth

The power of human spirit was depicted so beautifully, full of feelings and emotions, superb acting and storyline. It is simply The Best

I guess that's the easiest way I could sum this movie up: It's a movie about life. Sounds a bit plain, doesn't it?The Best of Youth, though, is anything but plain and boring. It tells the story of a family in Italy from the 1960's all the way into the year 2000. As you can imagine, alot happens in 40 years: floods, riots, people die, are born, part ways, meet new friends and so forth.But what really drew me into this 6 hour masterpiece were the characters. There are no heroes, there are no anti-heroes--just people, like you and me. The story of Matteo and Nicola could be any one of us.Speaking of characters, I haven't been this attached to the characters since I last watched an episode of Friends. The actors don't play their parts, they ARE their parts. If I saw the actor who played Matteo on the streets of Italy, I would be like, "Hey, it's Matteo!" The acting was THAT good. You'll go through a full spectrum of emotions with them throughout the course of this film.As for the pace of the movie, it takes a while to get to know the characters, the setting, but after about an hour you'll feel comfortable with it all. The plot twists are scattered and generously spaced, making them happen at just the right moment without feeling forced. I have to admit that some of the plot twists may not be anything new or innovative (alot of the plot twists you could see on any given day on a Soap Opera), but the whole of the movie is so well done you won't be able to care less. There are so many powerful and moving scenes in this movie--I'd love to tell them to you, but then I'd ruin your experience, wouldn't I?I can tell you one I liked, though:There is a scene in this movie where one of the characters says, "I don't believe in exclamation points." Let me tell you, this is a GREAT movie, and I do believe in exclamation points!!!

I saw a review for The Best of Youth over a year ago when it was in theaters (and I was nowhere near a theater where it was playing). I copied the review onto a document and saved it on the desktop of my computer as a reminder to keep checking for its release. I was so excited in November when the release was announced, and even though I got the movie on a Thursday night, I popped it in to see how much I could watch before I dropped.The movie takes you in immediately, and covers a lot of ground it its 6 hours. That isn't to say that it moves at a brisk pace. The film explores the relationships between its characters fully, exposing the passion and pathos that make life rich. Could someone have edited it down to less? Probably, but we are talking about a film made by people for whom lunch is a 2-hour event and "il dolce far niente" is an acceptable pastime, so some of the downtime and details (like one girl's youthful foray into fencing) we just take and weave into this full portrait of the lives presented.The opening credits feature photographs that I can't help thinking must be as familiar to an Italian audience as the picture of Dewey holding the "DEWEY WINS" newspaper is to an American viewer. For me, the systematic depiction of historic and cultural events that have rocked Italy since the 1960s, as seen through the viewpoints of the two very different main characters (one as the "everyman" and liberal voice, the other as the government and law) made the film, which would have been good anyway, particularly valuable and insightful. We get to glimpse Italy as it sees itself.And the beautiful thing is that in spite of the turmoil of the past 35 years, this Italy sees healing, hope, and promise in its future.

I've watched it going on four times in the past 2 years. It's a film you'll never tire of. The characters are compelling--all of them, not just the central four. I would have to call it a historical drama, not just a family saga, as it takes place during some of Italy's most turbulent 30 post-WWII years. While we in America were absorbed with Beattle-mania, Civil Rights and Vietnam, Italy was going through social upheaval marked by the Red Brigade and reforms in mental health and the legal system. Primary settings are Rome, Sicily and Ravenna.The cinematography is superb, with an abundance of close-ups revealing the emotions of these unforgettable characters. The characters are so well-drawn that when the film is over, you miss them, as if they were family.Most of all, I learned about what it means to be Italian--their sensitivity, willingness to express their feelings.I recommend viewing it in 2 three-hour sittings.This film is arguably the best ever made in terms of what it says about being human, not just Italian.

This movie has wonderful scenery in Italy that makes you want to go and visit. The movie is exceedingly long what with it being a six hour movie and therefore you might want to watch it in two parts. I believe it might have been a mini series when released. There is a scene about one of the brothers that startles you as you have no inclination that anything was affecting the brother this way. Even though having a child out of wedlock is not a good idea since it is hard to be a single parent raising a child, out of a one night stand results in a wonderful child who helps the family deal with a death in the family. Wonderful movie and all in Italian (with subtitles)which I love hearing it spoken as the Italian language is so musical and beautiful sounding. I would give it a ten hankie movie at times though so be prepared to feel like you have lived the lives of these two brothers. The movie will have you laughing and crying at times but it is a beautiful movie. Enjoy!

Was a gift. She loved it

A truly mesmerizing film, visually stunning and utterly captivating. Its long running time is ultimately justified as you become intertwined with the lives of characters. Joyous and devastating in equal measure - this is a film about the trials of life in the second half of twentieth century Italy, as well as an examination of the human condition and character. Be sure to watch to watch this film.

I loved this Italian film. I saw it first on BBC4 and couldn't wait to buy the DVD.At present available only on the US NTSC. Hopefully will soon be available on PAL. The story of two brothers and their different lives. Set over a period of forty years, an incredible story.

Fantastic Italian movie! One of the best films I have ever seen! I definetely recommend it. I'm glad to have got it!

This is supposed to be a brilliant series and I can't wait to watch it but unfortunately, I ordered a Canadian DVD, which doesn't work on Irish players, even though I ordered through a UK company. To play it, I'd need a multi-region dvd player. So, watch out for that!